Bringing Home New Fish

In the article it is spoken about Bringing Home New Fish.

Shopping for Fish for a Home Aquarium

When shopping for new fish for your fish tank, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind to make sure that you get a healthy fish that will enjoy life in your home aquarium. Watch for signs of illness, choose carefully based on compatibility, and be sure to acclimate the new fish carefully.

Signs of Illness in a Fish

Fish in the pet stores are often in overcrowded conditions. Even though there are massive filters that clean the water in the tanks, the overcrowding and constant nets coming into their tanks can cause excess stress. Before deciding what fish to buy, watch the tank for a few minutes. Make sure that the fish do not have white spots, and that their fins are whole. Ripped or rotting fins can be a sign of illness or of a weakened fish who has been bullied in transit. Watch also for fish that are swimming poorly. Lilting and swimming upside down can be signs of illness as well.

If there are sick fish in the tank, do not purchase any that day. It is best to not bring home the illness, especially if you are adding a fish to an already established tank. Doing so can bring the illness to your current fish, and possibly kill off all of the fish including the new fish. Fish are often stressed when you first purchase them, so ensuring that you purchase the healthiest ones possible is helpful.

Deciding on New Fish Based on Compatibility

When purchasing several fish at a time, or when adding fish to an already established tank, it is important that you pay attention to the compatibility factor. Some fish simply do not get along well with others. It is also important that you purchase the correct number of fish. Some fish, like Tiger Barbs, do not do well in small numbers, but can thrive in groups of 4 or more. If you are in doubt of whether or not a fish will get along with another fish, ask one of the people who work in the store.

Acclimate New Fish Carefully

When adding new fish to your aquarium, it is important to properly acclimate them. Allow the water in the bag to come to the same temperature as the water in the tank by having the bag sit in the tank for several minutes. You should also add small amounts of tank water to the bag every couple of minutes to help the fish adjust to the new water properties. Never pour the water from the bag into the tank, always net the fish out and dump the remaining water down the sink.

When deciding to add fish to your home aquarium, there are a few important tips to keep in mind that will help you succeed. Leaving the sick fish at the store is a good first step. Make sure that you choose new fish that will be compatible with your current fish and be sure to acclimate the new fish carefully in order to keep all of your fish healthy and happy.